News
Liveaboards don’t have to cost the Earth with Regaldive
As a result of increasingly high demand for liveaboards, diving holiday specialist Regaldive has put together a list of their top three best value liveaboard offerings. Allowing divers to journey to far-flung sites, get away from the crowds, maximise their time in the water and travel with other like-minded people, liveaboards are the ideal option for those whose holidays revolve around scuba.
Thailand from £480 per person
Low budget doesn’t have to mean no liveaboard. Think outside the box and travel for a limited time, ensuring you spend only a limited budget. Regaldive’s three night Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai and Richelieu Rock itinerary on the Scuba Adventure costs from just £480 per person and takes divers to the clear turquoise waters of the Similans, the limestone island of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock – a submerged pinnacle close to the Burma boarder. Divers will have the opportunity to explore gentle sloping reefs, underwater boulders and submerged plateaus, and dive with Manta rays and large pelagics.
The price includes full board accommodation, snacks and refreshments, 11 dives, air tanks, weights and weight belt. Flights are not included but can be arranged through Regaldive.
Red Sea from £813 per person
For divers looking for a good-value challenge, Regaldive’s Emperor – Fury and Elphinstone itinerary, journeying on the M/Y Asmaa is suitable for experienced divers and costs from just £813 per person. The liveaboard starts in Port Ghalib and travels onto various sites including Fury Shoals Reef System, Sha’ab Maksour, Sha’ab Claudio, Sha’ab Sataya and Elphinstone, where divers can enjoy three to four dives per day. Customers will have the opportunity to go on deep dives, swim in strong currents, admire wrecks, explore steep drop offs and can hope to swim amongst hammerheads, reef sharks, mantas, whale sharks, turtles, barracuda and shoals of dogtooth tuna and jacks.
The price includes flights, transfers, full board accommodation and soft drinks, six days diving, three to four dives a day, two dives on the last day, guide, tanks, weightsm, Nitrox (12l): two tanks per day and marine park fees.
The Caribbean from £917 per person
For divers with a small budget but big ambitions, Regaldive’s seven night St Kitts – Saba itinerary on the Caribbean Explorer II has been recently discounted by £173, and now costs from just £917 per person. With five dives per day, the itinerary is ideal for those looking to admire the underwater charms of the Caribbean. Alongside St Kitts, divers will have the opportunity to spend quality time in Saba Marine Park, where they can explore its flourishing reefs, pinnacles which are home to corals, sponges, and invertebrate, a natural labyrinth, underwater caves, tunnels and rock walls. Divers will also have the chance to explore the above the water highlights, including forts, rainforests and museums.
The price includes full board accommodation, snacks and refreshments, five and a half days diving, air tanks, weights and weight belt. Flights are not included but can be arranged through Regaldive.
For further information or to book, visit www.regaldive.co.uk or call +44 (0)1353 659 999.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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